Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Professor J.S. Mzilikazi Khumalo(above) is featured atAfriClassical.comas a leading South African composer who has played central roles in both South African opera and the preservation of African indigenous music through arranging folk music, teaching African languages and directing choral ensembles at the highest level of achievement. The following is just one of numerous tributes to the contributions of J.S. Mzilikazi Khumalo to the music of South Africa and that of the whole of Africa.

Too little is known about South African indigenous music, according to
the South African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) Foundation. Established in 1961, Samro has been investing in music education for
five decades and it wants to encourage indigenous African music research
among young people in the country.

Andre le Roux, Samro endowment general manager, said: “Not enough is
known about South African indigenous music, as during the apartheid
years our indigenous music did not get sufficient academic focus. “If we do not research or support the research of the music traditions,
of the songs, the composers, our legacy and heritage, they may be lost
for future generations.”

He said indigenous African music research was established because of a
need identified by the esteemed Prof Mzilikazi Khumalo, who noted the
lack of research in the field. The Samro Foundation is to give serious focus to organisations’
investment in the arts, with specific attention to music development.

.............

The foundation has been supporting
music education through NGO music schools, music education projects,
funding at tertiary level and overseas study at the height of the
pyramid. Le Roux said: “The standard of music in South Africa is very high in
classical music. Many of the top international soloists and performances
go on to achieve in overseas competitions and perform internationally.”